Analyzing the effectiveness of the eco-industrial park to promote sustainability

Abstract

Society's need for industry has been at odds with maintaining a sound and healthy natural environment. The concept of sustainability has arisen to bridge the gap between the competing forces of industry and environment. Through sustainability, industry is promoted, natural resources are protected, and both the economy and the environment gains. ^ One example of sustainability in action is the eco-industrial park. This park differs from conventional industrial parks in how it embraces the principles of sustainability in construction, operation, and production. This thesis will examine the development of the eco-industrial park concept from the broader concepts of sustainability and industrial ecology. Sustainability will be further conceptualized and operationalized through the use of indicators. Then, those indicators will be in a case study of the former Fort Devens Army Base to evaluate, qualitatively and quantitatively, which better achieves the goals of sustainability: an eco-industrial park or a conventional industrial park. ^